Anatomical restoration dental implant system with interlockable various shaped healing cap assembly and matching abutment member

Abstract: Anatomical restoration dental implant system having an interlockable various shaped healing cap assembly and a matching abutment member (206). The healing cap assembly includes an integral bolt member (202) which has a widened head segment (210) and an elongated shaft segment (228). The healing cap assembly also includes a healing cap member (204) which has a divergent body with a larger rounded triangle shaped end (244). The healing cap member (204) also has a stepped interior bore (250) with threaded section offset (254) from that of the bolt member so that the healing cap member and the bolt member are interlockable. The present invention also comprises a matching abutment member (206) for supporting a tooth (302) analogue with a rounded triangle shaped root. The abutment member has a bolt segment (270) which is identical to the bolt member of the healing cap assembly, and a frusto-conical shaped head segment (280). The large end (282) of the frusto-conical shaped head segment of the abutment member is circular shaped and smaller than the rounded triangle shaped end (244) of the healing cap member, such that when the abutment member is attached to the healing cap member, a rounded triangle shaped shoulder (300) is created for matching perfectly with the rounded triangle shaped root of the tooth analogue.

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of The Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of dental implants and in particular to a system providing a tooth analogue and a gingival tissue healing cap which results in a restoration having tissue-implant profiles similar to that of a natural tooth and its surrounding gingiva. The present invention also relates to fitting a tooth with a temporary crown and final prosthesis after the initial implant structure has been inserted and the surrounding tissue has healed. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of anatomical restoration dental implant systems with interlockable various shaped healing cap and abutment. 2. Description of The Prior Art Many systems have been proposed for rigidly fixing metal or ceramic materials to the alveolus of a human mandible or maxilla in an effort to provide a long term replacement for lost teeth. Early systems were successful for only limited periods of time and were eventually rejected as foreign bodies. Later systems, as described by U.S. Patents Nos. 3,589,011 to Sneer, 3,797,113 to Brainin, 3,979,828 to Taylor, 4,324,550 to Reuther et al., and 4,416,679 to Mozsary et al., have proven to offer long term success by providing rigid anchorage in the supporting bone. Intraoral restoration of such ossointegrated devices has been accomplished with many different systems that modified the original attempts. Such modifications have been described in U.S. Patents Nos. 4,780,080 to Harras, 4,713,003 to Symington et al., and 4,657,510 to Gittlemen. However, these restorative systems have required biologic and aesthetic compromises. The interface between an implant and its surrounding gingival tissue is often insufficiently close to prevent food and bacteria from entering this area. Such foreign matter can cause chronic infection and bone loss, resulting in eventual loss of the implant. Implants in current use have a round root form dimensionally different from that of a normal tooth root morphology. This makes aesthetic restoration difficult and impedes the development of a natural soft gingival tissue contour. The inventor and applicant of the present invention has been practicing anatomical restoration dental implant surgeries for many years and is the patentee of a series U.S. Patents related to anatomical restoration dental implant systems. United States Patent No. 5,073,111 issued to Daftary on December 17, 1991 (hereafter "the '111 Patent") disclosed an anatomical restoration dental implant system. Shown in Figures 1 and 2, the '111 Patent disclosed an anatomical restoration dental implant system for implanting a tooth analogue 102 in the alveolus of the jawbone 104. The system comprises an implantable fixture 106 implanted through opened gingival tissue 108 into the alveolus of the jaw bone 104. A cover screw (not shown) is used for sealing the hollow of the implant fixture 106 during the time the jaw bone 104 is growing about the implant fixture 106. After osseointegration of the implant fixture 106, the gingiva 108 is reopened and the cover screw is removed and replaced by a healing cap 110. The healing cap 110 provides a predetermined contour to the re-healing gingival tissue 108. After the re-opened gingival tissue 108 has healed about the healing cap 110, the healing cap 110 is removed and replaced with an abutment 112 having the same contour as that of the healing cap 110. Having the same contour permits the abutment 112 to tightly fit the healed opening in the gingival tissue 108 upon engagement of the abutment 112 with the implant fixture 106. The abutment 112 is removably affixed to the implant fixture 106 by a screw 114. Thereafter the tooth analogue 102 is releasibly engagable with the abutment 112 by a small holding screw 116. United States Patent No. 5,035,619 issued to Daftary on July 30, 1991 (hereafter "the '619 Patent") disclosed an anatomical restoration dental implant It discloses a healing cap assembly as defined in the preamble of claim 1. system with improved healing cap and abutment. United States Patent No. 5,145,372 issued to Daftary et al . on September 8, 1992 (hereafter "the '372 Patent") disclosed an anatomical restoration dental implant system with reinforced healing cap and abutment. The '619 Patent introduced an assembly of a two-piece healing cap and a matching abutment for improving the healing process of the gingival tissue 108, and the '372 Patent provided a reinforced assembly of the two-piece healing cap and the matching abutment. The two-piece healing cap configurations are designed to prevent the unnecessary damage or delay to the healing of the gingival tissues. It is always desirable to improve the anatomical restoration dental implant system so that it can provide a contour more nearly approximating that of a natural tooth and its surrounding tissue, and an implant root and gingival tissue interface that enhances the resistance to bacterial infection. It is known that one of the common features of all existing anatomical restoration dental implant systems, including the '111 Patent, the '619 Patent and the '372 Patent, is that once the abutment 112 is in place, it provides a circular shoulder 118 around the abutment 112 for a tooth analogue 102. In practicing anatomical restoration dental implant surgeries, the inventor of the present invention has discovered that, when the root of the tooth analogue is oval or elliptical instead of round or circular, it will not match perfectly with the circular shoulder around the abutment. As shown in Figure 3, when the bottom end or root of the tooth analogue 102 is elliptical, it will not fully cover the circular shoulder 118. In other words, the bottom end surface of the tooth analogue 102 is often not a perfect circle but an ellipse. While the diameter A of the long-axis of the ellipse is matching the diameter D of the circular shoulder 118, the diameter B of the short-axis of the ellipse is not. The result of this mismatching is shown in Figure 4, which is observed at a 90 degree angle from that of Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, there will be two opposite narrow spaces 120 left between the tooth analogue 102 and the gingival tissues 108. This creates a serious problem because it will take a long period of time for the gingival tissues 108 to recover and heal around the tooth analogue 102 to fill the two narrow spaces, and meanwhile food debris and bacteria may be collected within the spaces, which in turn will impede the complete healing of the gingival tissues and increases the chance of causing infectious diseases. Another problem presented by the mismatch is shown in Figure 5, which is an illustrative diagram of a patient's oral cavity. Suppose two tooth analogues 122 and 124 are going to be positioned next to each other between the patient's tongue 126 and the interior surface 128 of the patient's cheek. The profile of the bottom surface of the tooth analogues is elliptical. According to the orientation of the natural tooth, the long-axis of the ellipse is aligned with the general radius direction of the patient's oval cavity. Dotted circle 132 shows the profile of the circular shoulder around the abutment for supporting tooth analogue 122, and dotted circle 134 shows the profile of the circular shoulder around the abutment for supporting tooth analogue 124. It can be seen that the larger profile of the circular shoulders will prevent the two tooth analogues 122 and 124 from being positioned at a desired or required close distance because the circular shoulders around the abutments for supporting the two tooth analogues 122 and 124 will interfere with each other. As shown in Figure 1, in the prior art when the top of the healing cap 110 is round, it does not matter how it is oriented. Thus the healing cap 110 can be simply threaded to the implant fixture 106 until they are fully engaged. However, for the new healing cap with elliptical top, it must be oriented in the way shown in Figure 5, that is, the long-axis of the ellipse must be aligned with the general radius direction of the patient's oval cavity. Consequently the new healing cap must have no threaded relationship with the implant fixture 106. In other words, the angle of the new healing cap must be adjustable when it is attached to the implant fixture 106. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It has been discovered, according to the present invention, that if a new healing cap with oral or elliptical shaped top surface is utilized with the abutment, then the shoulder around the abutment is elliptical which will perfectly match with the oval root of the tooth analogue. Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a healing cap with an elliptical top surface for providing an elliptical shoulder around the abutment, so that there can be a perfect match between the elliptical root of a tooth analogue and the abutment shoulder. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, a healing cap assembly is provided which is attachable to an exposed end of a dental implant fixture. The healing cap assembly includes a healing cap member having a divergent body with a smaller proximal end, a larger distal end, and an interior bore extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The larger distal end has a non-circular shape. Means is provided for fastening the healing cap member to the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. In another aspect the present invention provides an anatomical restoration dental implant system implantable in the gingival tissue and the alveolus of the jaw bone, the anatomical restoration dental implant system including a dental implant fixture having proximal and distal end portions, the proximal end portion adapted to be embedded in opened gingival tissue and the alveolus of the jaw bone, the distal end portion having an exposed end being accessible from the outer surface of the jaw bone, the fixture being made of a substance permitting healing of the opened gingival tissue and growth of the jaw bone about the fixture, the fixture further including a hollow extending from an opening in the distal end portion towards the proximal end portion, the hollow having threads along at least a portion of its length. Means is provided for sealing the hollow of the implant fixture during a period after implantation in which the jaw bone is growing about the proximal portion of the implant fixture. The anatomical restoration dental implant system also includes a healing cap having a predetermined oval contour to the gingival tissue adjacent the distal end of the implant fixture, such that the gingival tissue re-heals in an oval contour reverse to that of the contour of the healing cap and having a divergent body with a smaller proximal end, a larger distal end; a tooth analogue having a non-circular root; abutment means for supporting the tooth analogue; and means for securing said tooth analogue to said abutment means. The healing cap provides an interlockable non-circular healing cap assembly which includes: (i) a discrete bolt member having a widened head segment and an elongated shaft segment, the shaft segment having a proximal end and a distal end, and the head segment integrally connected to the distal end of the shaft segment, the shaft segment further having a proximal section and a distal section, the proximal section having outer screw threads compatible with said inner screw threads of said hollow portion of said implant fixture, and the distal section being smooth; (ii) a healing cap member having a stepped interior bore extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the cap member, the smaller proximal end being circular shaped, the larger distal end having a non-circular shape, and the interior bore having a wide proximal section, and a narrow distal section , the proximal section of the cap member being smooth, and the distal section having inner screw threads 256 compatible with said outer screw threads of said proximal section of said shaft segment of said bolt member; (iii) said healing cap member and said bolt member being interlockable by threading said proximal section of said shaft segment of said bolt member into said distal section of said interior bore of said healing cap member; (iv) said distal section of said shaft segment of said bolt member being longer than said distal section of said interior bore of said healing cap member , such that after said proximal section of said shaft segment of said bolt member is completely threaded through said distal section of said interior bore of said healing cap member from said distal end of said healing cap member , said healing cap member and said bolt member are no longer threadably engaged; (v) said shaft segment of said bolt member being longer than said interior bore of said healing cap member , such that after said shaft segment of said bolt member extends through said interior bore of said healing cap member from said distal end of said healing cap member , there is still a substantial portion of said proximal section of said shaft segment of said bolt member which can be threadably engaged with said implant fixture for fastening said healing cap member to said exposed end of said implant fixture. Said abutment means is a matching abutment member further including: (i) a proximal bolt segment being identical to said bolt member of said healing cap assembly; (ii) a distal frusto-conical shaped head segment having a larger proximal end integrally connected to said proximal bolt segment , and a smaller distal end with means for adapting a driving tool; and (iii) said large proximal end of said distal frusto-conical shaped head segment of said abutment member being circular shaped and being smaller than said non-circular shaped distal end of said healing cap member , such that when said abutment member is attached to said healing cap member in replacement of said bolt member for supporting said tooth analogue , a non-circular shoulder is created for matching said non-circular root of said tooth analogue . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring particularly to the drawings for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation, there is illustrated: FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art anatomical restoration dental implant system as disclosed in the '111 Patent, showing a healing cap which is threaded onto the implant fixture. FIG. 2 is also a cross-sectional view of the prior art anatomical restoration dental implant system as disclosed in the '111 Patent, showing an abutment which is threaded onto the implant fixture for supporting a tooth analogue. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of the prior art anatomical restoration dental implant system, observed at a 90 degree angle from that of Figure 3, showing that two opposite narrow spaces are left between the tooth analogue and the gingival tissues because of the mismatching between the elliptical root of the tooth analogue and the circular shoulder around the abutment. FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram of a patient's oral cavity, showing the prior art anatomical restoration dental implant system with circular shoulder around the abutment, which may interfere with an adjacent anatomical restoration dental implant system and prevent two tooth analogues from being positioned closely as desired. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly, including an elliptical healing cap member and a bolt member. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 8 is a top view of the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly, showing a hexagonal recess for matching with a complementary hexagonal lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly, showing a round recess for matching with a complementary circular lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the interlockable feature of the elliptical healing cap member and the bolt member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system, showing the elliptical healing cap member secured onto the implant fixture by the bolt member. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the present invention abutment member which matches the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the abutment member attached to the elliptical healing cap member of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system, showing the matching abutment member which is secured on the elliptical healing cap member for supporting a tooth analogue. FIG. 17 is also a cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system, observed at a 90 degree angle from that of Figure 16, showing that no space is left between the tooth analogue and the gingival tissues because of the perfect matching between the elliptical root of the tooth analogue and the circular shoulder around the abutment. FIG. 18 is an illustrative diagram showing the various shapes of different teeth. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 21 is a top view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly, showing a hexagonal recess for matching with a complementary hexagonal lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 23 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly, showing a round recess for matching with a complementary circular lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the abutment member attached to the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 27 is a top view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly, showing a hexagonal recess for matching with a complementary hexagonal lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 29 is a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly, showing a round recess for matching with a complementary circular lip on the implant fixture. FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the abutment member attached to the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member of the present invention interlockable healing cap assembly. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Although specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains are deemed to be within the scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims. Referring to Figure 6, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention healing cap assembly 200, including a bolt member 202 and an elliptical healing cap member 204. The bolt member 202 and the elliptical healing cap member 204 are interlockable. Referring now to Figure 6, there is illustrated a perspective view of the bolt member 202. The bolt member 202 has a widened head segment 210 and an elongated shaft segment 220. The widened head segment 212 is disc shaped with a top notch 212 to accommodate a driving tool such as a screw driver for rotating the bolt member 202. The shaft segment 220 has a proximal end 222 and a distal end 224, where the head segment 210 is integrally connected to the distal end 224 of the shaft segment 220. The shaft segment 220 further includes a proximal section 226 and a distal section 228. The proximal section 226 has outer screw threads 230 which are compatible with the inner screw threads of the hollow portion of the implant fixture, whereas the distal section 228 is smooth and has no screw threads. Referring now to Figures 6, 7 and 8, where Figure 6 is a perspective view of the elliptical healing cap member 204, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the elliptical healing cap member 204, and Figure 8 is a top view of the elliptical healing cap member 204. The healing cap member 204 has a divergent body 240 which has a smaller proximal end 242 and a larger distal end 244. The smaller proximal end 242 is circular shaped, whereas the larger distal end 244 is elliptical shaped and has a long-axis and a short axis. The healing cap member 204 further has a stepped interior bore 250 extending from the distal end 244 to the proximal end 242. The interior bore 250 has a wider proximal section 252 and a narrower distal section 254. The proximal section 252 is smooth, whereas the distal section 254 has inner screw threads 256 which are compatible with the outer screw threads 230 of the proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202. The interior bore 250 is further widened at the larger distal end 244 of the healing cap member 204 to form a circular socket 258 for receiving the disc shaped head segment 210 of the bolt member 202, such that the head segment 210 of the bolt member 202 is flush with the large distal end 244 when it is seated within the circular socket 256. In addition, on the large distal end 244 of the healing cap member 204, two small indents 260 are provided to accommodate the small tips of a dental tool such as a forceps for orienting the healing cap member 204. Referring now to Figures 9 and 10, which are bottom views of the elliptical healing cap 204, showing the interference feature at the small distal end 242 of the elliptical healing cap 204. At the exposed end of the dental implant fixture, there is typically a slightly raised circumferential lip for facilitating the coupling with other dental components such as a cover screw, an impression coping or a healing cap. The circumferential lip is often hexagonal or circular shaped. Figure 9 shows one embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 204, where a hexagonal recess 262 is provided at the small proximal end 242 of the healing cap member 204 for matching a complementary hexagonal lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Figure 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 204, where a circular recess 264 is provided at the small proximal end 242 of the healing cap member 204 for matching a complementary circular lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Referring to Figure 11, there is shown the interlockable feature of the elliptical healing cap member 204 and the bolt member 202 of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly 200. The healing cap member 204 and the bolt member 202 are interlockable by threading the proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 210 of the bolt member 202 into the distal section 254 of the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, since the outer screw threads 230 at the proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 210 of the bolt member 202 are compatible with the inner screw threads 256 at the distal section 254 of the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204. This interlockable feature is a critical advantage of the present invention healing cap assembly over the prior art healing cap assemblies. By having the bolt member 202 and the healing cap member 204 interlocked, the present invention healing cap assembly 200 can be handled together as a unit, which reduces the possibility of either dropping or losing the small bolt member 202 into the patient's oral cavity. It also makes the effort of aligning the bolt member 202 and the healing cap member 204 in a patient's oral cavity easier. It further reduces the possibility of mismatching pairs of different configurations or dimensions of the healing cap assemblies, because the bolt member 202 and the healing cap member 204 can be interlocked and packaged, transported and stored as a single unit. Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly 200 as it is assembled in a patient's oral cavity. The disc shaped head segment 210 of the bolt member 202 is seated within the circular socket 258 at the larger distal end 244 of the healing cap member 204, so that the head segment 210 of the bolt member 202 is flush with the large distal end 244 of the healing cap member 204. The threaded proximal section 226 extends out from the small proximal end 242 of the healing cap member 204 for engagement with the dental implant fixture. Referring now to Figure 13, which is a cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system showing the elliptical healing cap member 204 secured onto a dental implant fixture 306 by the bolt member 202. It is noted that the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 is longer than the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, so that after the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 extends through the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, there is still a substantial portion of the threaded proximal section 228 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202, which can be threadably engaged with the implant fixture 306 for fastening the healing cap member 204 to the exposed end of the implant fixture 306. It is further noted that the outer diameter of the threaded proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the smooth proximal section 252 of the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, and the length of the distal section 228 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 is longer than that of the distal section 254 of the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204. This feature ensures that after the proximal section 228 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 is completely threaded through the distal section 254 of the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, the healing cap member 204 and the bolt member 202 are no longer threadably engaged. This is another critical feature of the present invention. If the bolt member 202 is threadedly engaged with both the healing cap member 204 and the implant fixture 306, then the threaded relationship between the healing cap member 204 and the bolt member 202 will prevent the adjustment of the orientation of the healing cap member 204 when the bolt member 202 is tightened to the implant fixture 306 because of the threaded cross-engagement. When the bolt member 202 has a threaded relationship with the healing cap member 204 and is threadedly tightened into the implant fixture 306, it applies not only a translational downward force but also a rotational torque to the healing cap member 204. The translational force will act to fasten the healing cap member 204 to the implant fixture 306, but the rotational torque will act to rotate the healing cap member 204 about the implant fixture 306. This will destroy the desired orientation of the healing cap member 204, which is that the long-axis of the elliptical healing cap member 204 is aligned with the general radius direction of the patient's oral cavity. In the present invention, by having the bolt member 202 only threadedly engaged with the implant fixture 306, but not threadedly engaged with the healing cap member 204, when the healing cap assembly 200 is secured on the implant fixture 306, the desired orientation of the healing cap member can be maintained. Referring to Figure 14, there is shown a perspective view of a matching abutment member 206 of the present invention. The present invention abutment member 206 matches the elliptical healing cap member 204 of the present invention interlockable elliptical healing cap assembly 200. The abutment member 206 has a proximal bolt segment 270 which is identical to the bolt member 202 of the healing cap assembly 200. The abutment member 206 also has a frusto-conical shaped distal head segment 280. The frusto-conical shaped distal head segment 280 has a larger proximal end 282 integrally connected to the proximal bolt segment 270, and a smaller distal end 284 with a notch to accommodate a driving tool such as a screw driver for rotating the abutment member 206. The frusto-conical shaped distal head segment 280 also has a side screw hole 288 to accommodate a small transverse screw for attaching a tooth analogue. Referring to Figure 15, there is shown a perspective view of the matching abutment member 206 attached to the elliptical healing cap member 204 of the interlockable elliptical heating cap assembly 200. Since the proximal bolt segment 270 of the abutment member 206 is identical to the bolt member 202 of the healing cap assembly 200, the abutment member 206 can simply replace the bolt member 202 when it is time to install a tooth analogue. It is noted that the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 is longer than the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, so that after the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 extends through the interior bore 250 of the healing cap member 204, there is still a substantial portion of a proximal section of the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 which can be threadably engaged with an implant fixture for fastening the healing cap member 204 thereupon. It is further noted that the large circular proximal end 282 of the frusto-conical shaped distal head segment 280 of the abutment member 206 has a diameter smaller than the short-axis of the elliptical shaped distal end 244 of the healing cap member 204, so that when the abutment member 206 is fully secured on the healing cap member 204 in replacement of the bolt member 202 for supporting a tooth analogue, an elliptical shoulder 300 is created for matching the elliptical root of the tooth analogue. This elliptical shoulder 300 is also a critical feature of the present invention. This solves the problem of mismatching between the root of the tooth analogue, which is often oval or elliptical, and the round or circular abutment shoulder provided by prior art dental implant systems. The smaller profile of the present invention elliptical shoulder 300 also allows two tooth analogues to be positioned at a desired or required close distance. Referring to Figures 16 and 17, there are shown that the matching abutment member 206 is secured on the elliptical healing cap member 204 for supporting a tooth analogue 302. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system, whereas Figure 17 is another cross-sectional view of the present invention anatomical restoration dental implant system, observed at a 90 degree angle from that of Figure 16. It can be seen than the oval shaped root of the tooth analogue 302 now matches perfectly with the elliptical shoulder 300 around the abutment member 206. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the oval root of the tooth analogue 302 fully covers the elliptical shoulder 300. There are no longer two opposite narrow spaces left between the tooth analogue 302 and the gingival tissues 308. This solves the problem presented by prior art implant systems with circular abutment shoulders, shortens the period of time required for the gingival tissues 308 to recover and heal around the tooth analogue 302, and eliminates any possibility of having food debris and bacteria collected between the root of the tooth analogue 302 and the gingival tissues 308, which in turn expedites the complete healing of the gingival tissues 308 and reduces the chance of causing any infectious diseases. Another problem solved by the present invention is the precise spacing between adjacent tooth analogues. In prior art dental implant systems the larger profile of the circular shaped shoulder often prevents two adjacent tooth analogues from being positioned at a desired close distance. This problem is solved by the present invention because the smaller profile of the elliptical shoulder 300 at the conjunction of the healing cap member 204 and the abutment member 206 at the direction perpendicular to the general radius direction of a patient's oral cavity allows two tooth analogues to be positioned at a closer distance. It is also noted that the since the proximal bolt segment 270 of the abutment member 206 is exactly the same as the bolt member 202, the same interlockable and engagement relationship exists between the abutment member 206 and the healing cap 204. For example, when the abutment member 206 is threadedly engaged with the implant fixture 306, the healing cap member 204 and the abutment member 206 are no longer threadably engaged. The present invention interlockable healing cap assembly further comprises healing cap members which have a rounded triangle shaped top surface. Referring now to Figure 19, 20 and 21, where Figure 19 is a perspective view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member 504, Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member 504, and Figure 21 is a top view of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap member 504. The healing cap member 504 has a divergent body 540 which has a smaller proximal end 542 and a larger distal end 544. The smaller proximal end 542 is circular shaped, whereas the larger distal end 544 is rounded equilateral triangle shaped. The healing cap member 504 further has a stepped interior bore 550 extending from the distal end 544 to the proximal end 542. The interior bore 550 has a wider proximal section 552 and a narrower distal section 554. The proximal section 552 is smooth, whereas the distal section 554 has inner screw threads 556 which are compatible with the outer screw threads 230 of the proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 (bolt member 202 is shown in Figure 6). The interior bore 550 is further widened at the larger distal end 544 of the healing cap member 504 to form a circular socket 558 for receiving the disc shaped head segment 210 of the bolt member 202, such that the head segment 210 of the bolt member 202 can be flush with the large distal end 544 when it is seated within the circular socket 556. In addition, on the large distal end 544 of the healing cap member 504, two small indents 560 are provided to accommodate the small tips of a dental tool such as a forceps for orienting the healing cap member 504. Particularly referring to Figure 21, an equilateral triangle circumscribing the top end 544 of the healing cap 504 is shown in dotted lines to illustrate that the top end 544 of the healing cap 504 has a rounded equilateral triangle shape. Referring to Figures 20 and 21, by way of example only, the width W1 of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped top end 544 of the healing cap 504 is approximately 6mm, the depth D1 of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped top end 544 of the healing cap 504 is approximately 7mm, and the height H1 of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped top end 544 of the healing cap 504 may be 3mm, 4mm, 6mm or 8mm, depending on the patient's dental profile. Referring now to Figures 22 and 23, there are illustrated bottom views of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap 504, showing the interference feature at the small distal end 542 of the rounded equilateral triangle shaped healing cap 504. At the exposed end of the dental implant fixture, there is typically a slightly raised circumferential lip for facilitating the coupling with other dental components such as a cover screw, an impression coping or a healing cap. The circumferential lip is often hexagonal or circular shaped. Figure 22 shows one embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 504, where a hexagonal recess 562 is provided at the small proximal end 542 of the healing cap member 504 for matching a complementary hexagonal lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Figure 23 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 504, where a circular recess 564 is provided at the small proximal end 542 of the healing cap member 504 for matching a complementary circular lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Referring to Figure 24, there is shown a perspective view of the matching abutment member 206 attached to the rounded equilateral triangle healing cap member 504 of the interlockable healing cap assembly. Since the proximal bolt segment 270 of the abutment member 206 is identical to the bolt member 202 of the healing cap assembly, the abutment member 206 can simply replace the bolt member 202 when it is time to install a tooth analogue. It is noted that the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 is longer than the interior bore 550 of the healing cap member 504, so that after the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 extends through the interior bore 550 of the healing cap member 504, there is still a substantial portion of a proximal section of the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 which can be threadably engaged with an implant fixture for fastening the healing cap member 504 thereupon. It is also noted that a rounded equilateral triangle shaped shoulder 590 is created for matching the rounded equilateral triangle shaped root of the tooth analogue for the upper central incisors 411 and 421. This rounded equilateral triangle shaped shoulder 590 is a critical feature of the present invention because it solves the problem of mismatching between the roots of the central incisors 411 and 421 and the round or circular abutment shoulder provided by prior art dental implant systems. The smaller profile of the present invention rounded equilateral triangle shoulder 590 also allows two tooth analogues to be positioned at a desired or required close distance. Referring now to Figure 25, 26 and 27, where Figure 25 is a perspective view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member 604, Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member 604, and Figure 27 is a top view of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap member 604. The healing cap member 604 has a divergent body 640 which has a smaller proximal end 642 and a larger distal end 644. The smaller proximal end 642 is circular shaped, whereas the larger distal end 644 is rounded isosceles triangle shaped. The healing cap member 604 further has a stepped interior bore 650 extending from the distal end 644 to the proximal end 642. The interior bore 650 has a wider proximal section 652 and a narrower distal section 654. The proximal section 652 is smooth, whereas the distal section 654 has inner screw threads 656 which are compatible with the outer screw threads 230 of the proximal section 226 of the shaft segment 220 of the bolt member 202 (bolt member 202 is shown in Figure 6). The interior bore 650 is further widened at the larger distal end 644 of the healing cap member 604 to form a circular socket 658 for receiving the disc shaped head segment 210 of the bolt member 202, such that the head segment 210 of the bolt member 202 can be flush with the large distal end 644 when it is seated within the circular socket 656. In addition, on the large distal end 644 of the healing cap member 604, two small indents 660 are provided to accommodate the small tips of a dental tool such as a forceps for orienting the healing cap member 604. Particularly referring to Figure 27, an isosceles triangle circumscribing the top end 644 of the healing cap 604 is shown in dotted lines to illustrate that the top end 644 of the healing cap 604 has a rounded isosceles triangle shape. Referring to Figures 26 and 27, by way of example only, the width W2 of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped top end 644 of the healing cap 604 is approximately 5mm, the depth D2 of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped top end 644 of the healing cap 604 is approximately 6mm, and the height H2 of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped top end 644 of the healing cap 604 may be 3mm, 4mm, 6mm or 8mm, depending on the patient's dental profile. Referring now to Figures 28 and 29, which are bottom views of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap 604, showing the interference feature at the small distal end 642 of the rounded isosceles triangle shaped healing cap 604. At the exposed end of the dental implant fixture, there is typically a slightly raised circumferential lip for facilitating the coupling with other dental components such as a cover screw, an impression coping or a healing cap. The circumferential lip is often hexagonal or circular shaped. Figure 28 shows one embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 604, where a hexagonal recess 662 is provided at the small proximal end 642 of the healing cap member 604 for matching a complementary hexagonal lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Figure 29 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention healing cap member 604, where a circular recess 664 is provided at the small proximal end 642 of the healing cap member 604 for matching a complementary circular lip at the exposed end of the dental implant fixture. Referring to Figure 30, there is shown a perspective view of the matching abutment member 206 attached to the rounded isosceles triangle healing cap member 604 of the interlockable healing cap assembly. Since the proximal bolt segment 270 of the abutment member 206 is identical to the bolt member 202 of the healing cap assembly, the abutment member 206 can simply replace the bolt member 202 when it is time to install a tooth analogue. It is noted that the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 is longer than the interior bore 650 of the healing cap member 604, so that after the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 extends through the interior bore 650 of the healing cap member 604, there is still a substantial portion of a proximal section of the bolt segment 270 of the bolt member 206 which can be threadably engaged with an implant fixture for fastening the healing cap member 604 thereupon. It is further noted that a rounded isosceles triangle shaped shoulder 690 is created for matching the rounded isosceles triangle shaped root of the tooth analogue for the lower lateral incisors 431 and 441, the upper lateral incisors 412 and 422, and the lower lateral incisors 432 and 442. This rounded isosceles triangle shaped shoulder 690 is again a critical feature of the present invention because it solves the problem of mismatching between the roots of the lower lateral incisors 431 and 441, the upper lateral incisors 412 and 422, and the lower lateral incisors 432 and 442, and the round or circular abutment shoulder provided by prior art dental implant systems. The smaller profile of the present invention rounded equilateral triangle shoulder 690 also allows two tooth analogues to be positioned at a desired or required close distance. As shown in Figure 18, the shapes of various tooth are different. The names of the tooth are listed in TABLE ONE below. It can be seen from Figure 8 that the roots of the molars are generally round shaped, accordingly round shaped healing caps are suitable for the molars. However, it can also be seen that the roots of the bicuspids and cuspids are generally elliptical shaped, accordingly the elliptical healing cap assemblies are suitable for the bicuspids and cuspids. It can also be seen from Figure 18 that the root of the incisors are generally rounded triangular shaped. More particularly, the roots of the two upper central incisors 411 and 421 are more rounded equilateral triangle shaped, whereas the two upper lateral incisors 412 and 422 and the four lower incisors 431, 432, 4441 and 442 are more rounded isosceles triangular shaped. Accordingly, the rounded triangular shaped healing cap assemblies are suitable for incisors, with the particular shape of the healing cap assembly being selected to fit closely with the root of the tooth analogue of the incisor being restored. 411 Upper right Central incisors 412 Upper right Lateral incisors 413 Upper right Cuspids (eye tooth) 414 Upper right First bicuspid 415 Upper right Second bicuspid 416 Upper right First molar 417 Upper right Second molar 418 Upper right Third molar (wisdom tooth) 421 Upper left Central incisors 422 Upper left Lateral incisors 423 Upper left Cuspids (eye tooth) 424 Upper left First bicuspid 425 Upper left Second bicuspid 426 Upper left First molar 427 Upper left Second molar 428 Upper left Third molar (wisdom tooth) 431 Lower right Central incisors 432 Lower right Lateral incisors 433 Lower right Cuspids (eye tooth) 434 Lower right First bicuspid 435 Lower right Second bicuspid 436 Lower right First molar 437 Lower right Second molar 438 Lower right Third molar (wisdom tooth) 441 Lower left Central incisors 442 Lower left Lateral incisors 443 Lower left Cuspids (eye tooth) 444 Lower left First bicuspid 445 Lower left Second bicuspid 446 Lower left First molar 447 Lower left Second molar 448 Lower left Third molar (wisdom tooth)

Claims: A healing cap assembly for attachment to an exposed end of a dental implant fixture (106) which has a hollow with inner screw threads, the healing cap assembly (200) including a healing cap (204) with a divergent body (240) with a smaller proximal end (242), a larger distal end (244), and including means (210) for fastening said healing cap (204) to said exposed end of said dental implant fixture (106), said healing cap (204) characterized by an interior bore (250) extending from the distal end (244) to the proximal end (242) and in that the larger distal end (244) has a non-circular shape. The healing cap assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said non-circular shape is a rounded triangle shape. The healing cap assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said rounded triangle shape is a rounded equilateral triangle shape. The healing cap assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said rounded triangle shape is a rounded isosceles triangle shape. The healing cap assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said non-circular shape is an elliptical shape. The healing cap assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for fastening said healing cap member (204) to said exposed end of said dental implant fixture (106) includes an integral bolt member (202) having a widened head segment (210) and an elongated shaft segment (220), the shaft segment (220) having a proximal section (226) with screw threads (230) and a smooth distal section (228), the shaft segment (220) of the bolt member (202) being longer than said interior bore (250) of said healing cap (204), such that after the shaft segment (220) of the bolt member (202) extends through said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204) from said distal end (244) of said healing cap (204), there is still a substantial portion of the proximal section (226) of the shaft segment (220) of the bolt member (202) which can be threadably engaged with said implant fixture (106) for fastening said healing cap member (204) to said exposed end of said implant fixture (106). The healing cap assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in combination with a matching abutment member (206) for supporting a tooth analogue (302) with a non-circular root, the abutment member (206) having: a. a proximal bolt segment (270) being identical to said bolt member (202) of said healing cap assembly (200); b. a distal frusto-conical shaped head segment (280) having a larger proximal end (282) integrally connected to said proximal bolt segment (270), and a smaller distal end (284); and c. said large proximal end (282) of said distal frusto-conical shaped head segment (280) of said abutment member (206) being circular shaped and smaller than said non-circular shaped distal end (244) of said healing cap member (204), such that when said abutment member (206) is attached to said healing cap member (204) in replacement of said bolt member (202) for supporting said tooth analogue (302), a non-circular shaped shoulder (300) is created for matching said non-circular shaped root of said tooth analogue (302). The healing cap assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the smaller proximal end (242) of the healing cap (204) is circular shaped. An anatomical restoration dental implant system implantable in the gingival tissue (308) and the alveolus of the jaw bone (304), including: a. a dental implant fixture (302) having proximal and distal end portions, the proximal end portion having means for being embedded in opened gingival tissue (308) and the alveolus of the jaw bone (304), the distal end portion having an exposed end being accessible from the outer surface of the jaw bone (304), the fixture (306) being made of a substance permitting healing of the opened gingival tissue (308) and growth of the jaw bone (304) about the fixture (306), the fixture (306) further including a hollow extending from an opening in the distal end portion towards the proximal end portion, the hollow having threads along at least a portion of its length; b. means for sealing the hollow of the implant fixture (306) during a period after implantation in which the jaw bone (304) is growing about the proximal portion of the implant fixture (306); c. healing cap means for providing a predetermined oval contour to the gingival tissue (308) adjacent the distal end of the implant fixture (306), such that the gingival tissue (308) re-heals in an oval contour reverse to that of the contour of the healing cap means and having a divergent body (240) with a smaller proximal end (242), a larger distal end (244); d. a tooth analogue (302) having a non-circular root; e. abutment means (206) for supporting the tooth analogue (302); f. means for securing said tooth analogue to said abutment means; the system characterized by: g. said healing cap means being an interlockable non-circular healing cap assembly (200), including: (i) a discrete bolt member (202) having a widened head segment (210) and an elongated shaft segment (220), the shaft segment (220) having a proximal end (222) and a distal end (224), and the head segment (210) integrally connected to the distal end (224) of the shaft segment (220), the shaft segment (220) further having a proximal section (226) and a distal section (228), the proximal section (226) having outer screw threads (230) compatible with said inner screw threads of said hollow portion of said implant fixture (306), and the distal section (228) being smooth; (ii) a healing cap member (204) having a stepped interior bore (250) extending from the distal end (244) to the proximal end (242) of the cap member (204), the smaller proximal end (242) being circular shaped, the larger distal end (244) having a non-circular shape, and the interior bore (250) having a wide proximal section (252), and a narrow distal section (254), the proximal section (252) of the cap member (204) being smooth, and the distal section (254) having inner screw threads (256) compatible with said outer screw threads (230) of said proximal section (226) of said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202); (iii) said healing cap member (204) and said bolt member (202) being interlockable by threading said proximal section (226) of said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) into said distal section (254) of said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204); (iv) said distal section (228) of said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) being longer than said distal section (254) of said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204), such that after said proximal section (226) of said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) is completely threaded through said distal section (254) of said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204) from said distal end (244) of said healing cap member (204), said healing cap member (204) and said bolt member (202) are no longer threadably engaged; (v) said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) being longer than said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204), such that after said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) extends through said interior bore (250) of said healing cap member (204) from said distal end (244) of said healing cap member (204), there is still a substantial portion of said proximal section (226) of said shaft segment (220) of said bolt member (202) which can be threadably engaged with said implant fixture for fastening said healing cap member to said exposed end of said implant fixture (306); h. said abutment means being a matching abutment member (206) further comprising: (i) a proximal bolt segment (270) being identical to said bolt member (202) of said healing cap assembly (200); (ii) a distal frusto-conical shaped head segment (280) having a larger proximal end (282) integrally connected to said proximal bolt segment (270), and a smaller distal end (284) with means (286) for adapting a driving tool; and (iii) said large proximal end (282) of said distal frusto-conical shaped head segment (280) of said abutment member (206) being circular shaped and being smaller than said non-circular shaped distal end (244) of said healing cap member (204), such that when said abutment member (206) is attached to said healing cap member (204) in replacement of said bolt member (202) for supporting said tooth analogue (302), a non-circular shoulder (300) is created for matching said non-circular root of said tooth analogue (302). The anatomical restoration dental implant system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein said non-circular shape of said larger distal end of said divergent body of said healing cap member is a rounded triangle shape. The anatomical restoration dental implant system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said rounded triangle shape is a rounded equilateral triangle shape. The anatomical restoration dental implant system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said rounded triangle shape is a rounded isosceles triangle shape. The anatomical restoration dental implant system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein said non-circular shape of said larger distal end of said divergent body of said healing cap member is an elliptical shape.

Inventors: DAFTARY FEREIDOUN, DAFTARY, FEREIDOUN
Applicants: DAFTARY FEREIDOUN, DAFTARY, FEREIDOUN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A61C8
IPC codes: A61C8